Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Events Jan.16-20

2025’s Theme: Everyone has the power for greatness—not for fame, because greatness is determined by service. MLK’s quote from a speech in Memphis, Tennessee circa 1968.

Thursday, January 16 : MLK Weekend of events begins with the Ceremony at UCSB’s Eternal Flame on the Buchanan Hall lawn near the Library from 12 noon to 1pm.  Followed by a walk to North Hall to honor the protestors who demanded more programs, services and faculty for African American students, (https://obsd.sa.ucsb.edu/1968-north-hall) which led to the development of the Center for Black Studies Research and the hiring of more African-American faculty.

Friday January 17:  B’nai B’rith Friday Night Service, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara 93111.   7 pm. Poetry Awardees Student Reading with representatives from one of the two age groups: 6 – 12 and 13 – 18 years.  

Saturday January 18:  Community Environmental Council, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara, 93101. The Hub Screening of “Raging Waters.” Followed by a panel of experts featuring a discussion on Santa Barbara’s flood concerns.

Sunday January 19:  Worship at a service of your choice. List on MLKSB.org  https://mlksb.org/support/faith-organizations/

Monday January 20:  MLKSB Federal Holiday.  MLKSB events start at 9am through  3pm 

This year’s morning program, overseen by MLKSB Board member Isaac Garrett, begins at 9:00am at de la Guerra Plaza with an opening prayer by Mia Lopez Leader of the Family of Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation. Isaac Garret will give a Welcome Address on the theme for the year and will serve as M.C. Elected officials Gregg Hart and Laura Capps will make comments based on the theme. The morning program speaker is Kathy Hughes a seasoned R.E. pro sharing how her career has given her the time to serve her community.  A selection of elementary school children’s awarded Essay Readings the children penned plus Janet Reineck’s World Dance for Humanity.

Unity March up State Street at 10am to the Arlington Theatre where the participants will be greeted by Jazz musicians David Gorospe Productions.  A 90-minute program will begin at 11am. The program will include Keynote Speaker, Dr. Lisa Sideris (Professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara.  Dr. Sidaris will feature the theme for this year in her speech.  A collection of top awarded poems and essays read by secondary awardees (read at Arlington Theater) and elementary school awardees (read at the Morning Program) who penned them. Wendy Sims-Moten serves as M.C., Rosalyn Collins, will sing the opening song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Black National Anthem).  Sese Ntem performs Ewe Music, he previously performed in 2023 and was very well-received and adding captivating singer Tony Maddox for a powerful program sure to inspire all in attendance.